South Bay Digest

El Segundo

The City Council has upheld the Planning Commission's decision to deny Crocker National Bank's application to build a helicopter landing pad at the bank's Southern California Operations Center, 2121 East Park Place.

The helistop was aimed at speeding transfer of bank documents and processed checks.

The commission rejected the application in August, saying Crocker's plan for four daily flights, including one night flight, would significantly increase air traffic and noise in the city and in neighboring Hawthorne and Westchester.

Residents from the three areas crowded into El Segundo City Hall on Tuesday night to testify against Crocker's plan. Two Crocker representatives were the lone supporters of the helistop.

"I just can't approve something that would add to our sister cities' problems," said El Segundo Mayor Chip Armstrong before making a motion to uphold the commission.